In the past week, hundreds of communities have rallied together as part of the Global Climate Strike. Not only did Minnesota host a strike Sept. 20, but students from Park also have the opportunity to take part in the fight to end the age of fossil fuels. 

After not being able to rally at the first Global Climate Strike Sept. 20 at the State Capitol because of schedule conflicts, Park Roots and Shoots club members decided to participate in the second Global Climate Strike at 3:15 p.m. Sept. 27. Students will gather outside the athletic doors before walking to city hall. 

The Echo Editorial Board applauds Roots and Shoots for taking initiative and allowing an easy way for students to participate in the Global Climate Strike week. 

As a student-run newspaper, we strongly believe student voice plays a crucial role in working to make change. This walkout gives all students an opportunity to participate in student activism, allowing for Park students to be heard. 

We also encourage students to not only participate in rallies to fight for the social issues they are passionate about, but also take the next step and contact state legislatures, government officials and organize their own protests and strikes. 

The Global Climate Strike in Minnesota brought a lot of pertinent issues to the public and state government’s attention. An increase in temperatures this month, along with more extreme storms with intense flooding have been correlated to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 

With the city of St. Louis Park passing the Climate Action Plan last year with the goal of having a net zero carbon footprint by 2040, it is still important to keep fighting for further action to be taken on climate change in our community. The school walkout is necessary to keep our city and community members in check, reminding everyone to keep reducing their emissions daily.

Overall, the Echo Editorial Board hopes students will dedicate themselves to getting more involved in raising awareness for climate change and other social issues they care about.